After a rather pleasant day of work I've decided to avoid studio for the afternoon. Crunch time is in full force. With only three weeks remaining in the semester the winery has to be completely designed before Christmas break. The nice thing about being in the architecture program is that 'studio' ends a week early ... They know we go through enough hell that we couldn't handle the pressures studio life provides and function in any normality during exam week.

Although always stressed, I have truly enjoyed studio this semester. It's been quite an educational experience. There is so much theory behind architecture ... and it's that sort of juicy stuff that enticed me so much to this field. The first few years of design school seem so weighted in it and the further up the totem pole you get the more technical it gets. I wonder if it shouldn't be reversed? But it's nice to get back into the spirit of what makes you happy. I've definitely needed something to refocus my attention the past few weeks.

On the ride back to the apartment from work Sophia called me. I think she's about as stressed out as I am at the moment. Her and her husband and in the full swing of finishing up the design work of their house. She got married over summer break and between studio and other classes I don't know how they've had time to successfully design this house. She's wanting me to help her pick out some finishes and things this week ... which is kind-of-exciting for me. I like getting into all the juicy pieces of this field. It's quite amazing if you think about it. Architecture is this field that in some way encompasses almost everything. You have to be design savvy - keep up on all the latest trends and in some cases even be a trend setter. There is a whole technical aspect you must keep up to date and educated on - the materials you specify. And personally, although most don't, I hope to keep very aware of the environment. Use things that are environmentally friendly and be away of orientation ... how buildings are sited to maximize their efficiency. There's a whole computer understanding one must have. You have to have great communication skills - learn how to listen to your clients, yet keep a grasp of big ideas. And I could go on and on. You start up your own business and there is that whole aspect. It's quite overwhelming sometimes. The days of Corbrusier and Mies sent the architectural world into thinking they were some type of demi-gods ... and although I don't believe in this to the point they did ... I do understand their thinking behind it.

I think people should understand, though, that there is a huge difference between what we drive past everyday ... and architecture ... or even more clearly as it's being expressed today ... Architecture (read capital "A" - Architecture). We are not just this mundane field that can be bypassed as some might think. We are not overpaid for the services we provide ... in fact I'd say its quite the opposite. Our level of education and expertise reaches that of doctors and lawyers, but it is not our pockets that are overrunning themselves with money.

So May is on it's way and I will have officially finished my time here at UNCC. For now anyways. I want to work some ... get out of debt ... get my internships out of the way so I can take the exams ... and then with any luck Sophia, Suzanne and I are going to start up our own firm. I think we are interested in a lot of the same concepts ... each one of us weighted differently in specific areas. It may be a huge headache putting all that together ... or we may be the next SOM. I guess time will tell.

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you last night who read my blog. I'm going to try and keep writing on a daily basis ... or semi-daily. I really appreciated all the 'i love you's' ... much needed ... and I love you all too.

PS... if you sign up ... you can start posting all those great comments you made on aim on my blog!!!